Category: U.S. Health

Words DO matter. As behavioral health and substance use continue to increase and go unsupported in many populations, it’s more important than ever to think about the words that are used and the stigma they can carry.

With in-depth data on today’s digital trends, the recently released Meeker 2017 Internet Trends report offers insights on how people around the world are using technology. One key takeaway for the HIV community is that advances in technology are improving healthcare. Here are four of the trends noted in the report that may be most valuable to HIV service organizations.

The tobacco control movement in the U.S. was one of the very first community “resistance” movements. It involved mobilizing against corporate greed, and a willingness to subvert public good to private will. So much was achieved in a relatively short time, but much remains to be done. On World No Tobacco Day 2017, let us celebrate how much has been achieved by people collectively speaking on behalf of their own health and welfare.

In the fast-paced world of social media, video content continues to grow in popularity and we continue to see video functionality roll out across platforms. Recently, Facebook officially launched Facebook Stories, which are short, 20-second videos and photos that disappear after 24 hours. Although they’re gone in a flash, using tools like Stories in your organization’s social media may be a good way to get, and keep your audience’s attention; and many in our target audiences find them helpful.

JSI Director Rachel Tobey, Jay Bhatia, and Michael Hochman, MD, MPH, discuss their recent JAMA article on implementing value-based payment models to support community health centers so that they can continue to serve a vital role in their communities.

Tuesday, February 7, is the 18th annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). The Strategic Leadership Council, a community-led group that sets the direction for NBHAAD, announced that this year’s theme is “I Am My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS!” It’s a call to action for all of us. We’ve put together a list of resources from AIDS.gov and our federal partners to help you get involved with #NBHAAD.

Improving health and reducing the cost of health care will remain central to the future of healthcare delivery in the U.S. In order to get there, healthcare and human services systems should prioritize early identification and mitigation of health-related social needs, carried out by a workforce that is equipped to do so successfully.

Since the first World AIDS Day in 1988, we have seen tremendous changes in our collective response to HIV and AIDS–including changes in the way advocates, leaders, people affected by the virus, and others communicate about HIV. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other digital platforms have made it possible for us to connect in creative ways and to reach diverse audiences with messages about this yearly observance.

The recent election sparked a national conversation about violence against women that had been ignored for too long. In the wake of the outcome, efforts to protect women’s health and prevent violence are critical. In the health field, we can capitalize on the increased public attention and opportunity in the healthcare landscape to address domestic violence as a critical public health issue.

As public health advocates, we’ve got evidence on our side to support the positive impact of soda taxes: reduced consumption, increased awareness, and revenue raised. The evidence against sugary drinks continues to mount as the beverage industry’s disturbing tactics are revealed daily.